Automated Fastening and Milling Machine for Complex Aircraft Structures

The demands of fulfilling the continually increasing customer requirements always forces suppliers to improve their system solutions to be more-state-of-the-art.

The fastening / milling machine discussed allows for the combined fastening / milling / drilling of complex aircraft structures. The equipment described fulfills high precision manufacturing requirements including economic constraints.

The system provides flexibility to handle different aircraft panels and types.

This paper is intended to describe and focus on the main aspects of this state-of-the-art technology in automated fastening / milling / drilling processes to meet the important customer production criteria. Furthermore, it shall explain the integration by presenting a current example of the process.